Free Reindeer Cat Pod Crochet Pattern

Looking for a festive Christmas cat bed crochet pattern? This free reindeer cat pod crochet pattern creates a cozy enclosed hideaway with antlers, ears, and a bright red nose. Made with super bulky yarn, the sturdy pod gives your cat a snug place to nap and hide throughout the holiday season and winter.

Quick answer:
This free reindeer cat pod crochet pattern is an advanced-beginner project made with super bulky yarn and an 8-inch craft ring. The finished pod measures about 13 inches wide × 13 inches tall × 12 inches deep and creates a snug enclosed reindeer cat cave and festive Christmas cat bed.

Best use: Cozy cat cave, festive Christmas cat bed, or holiday pet décor
Skill level: Advanced beginner
Yarn: Super bulky weight (#6) for the cat pod and antlers; worsted weight (#4) red yarn for the nose; small amount of black yarn for the eyes
Hook size: H-8 (5 mm) or size needed to match gauge
Ring size: 8-inch macramé ring or craft hoop
Finished size: About 13 inches wide and tall, 12 inches deep

Why you’ll love this reindeer cat pod

Festive reindeer design — Antlers, ears, stitched eyes, and a red pom-pom nose create a fun Christmas cat bed.
Cozy enclosed shape — Gives cats a snug hideaway for naps and quiet time.
Super bulky yarn — Creates a thick, sturdy fabric that helps the pod hold its shape.
Fun holiday pet project — A cute handmade addition to your Christmas décor.
Cozy beyond Christmas — The enclosed pod makes a warm, snug cat bed that can be enjoyed throughout winter.

Looking for an everyday design instead? Try my crochet cat hideaway pattern for a cozy non-seasonal cat pod you can use year-round.

Reindeer cat pod crochet pattern details

Here’s a quick overview of the materials, sizing, gauge, and pattern notes before you begin.

Skill level

Advanced beginner. This advanced-beginner cat bed pattern uses basic crochet stitches and some shaping.

Materials needed

H-8 (5 mm) crochet hook, or size needed to match gauge
Super bulky weight yarn (#6) in tan and brown
Worsted weight yarn (#4) in red for the nose
Small amount of black yarn for the eyes
1.5-inch pom-pom maker
8-inch macramé ring or craft hoop
Tapestry needle
Stitch markers (optional)

I used 2 skeins of Bernat Blanket in Almond (416 g / 15 oz total) for the cat pod.

Finished size

The finished reindeer cat pod measures approximately 13 inches wide × 13 inches tall × 12 inches deep. The entrance opening measures 8 inches.

Gauge

14 single crochet stitches and 11 rounds = 4 inches (10 cm)

Learn how to check crochet gauge before you begin, since gauge affects the finished pod size and shape.

Crochet abbreviations

sc = single crochet
hdc = half double crochet
sc2tog = single crochet decrease
sc3tog = single crochet 3 stitches together
ch / chs = chain/chains
st / sts = stitch/stitches
sl st = slip stitch

Reindeer cat pod pattern notes

The cat bed design is written in US terms.
The side facing you is the “right side”.
The stitch count is listed at the end of every round.
Join each round with a slip stitch to the top of the first sc made in that round.
Repeat instructions between the asterisks (*) for the rest of the round.
The chain at the beginning of each round does not count as a stitch.

How to crochet around a ring

To crochet around a ring, make a slip knot and remove the knot/loop from the hook. Pass the knot/loop through the middle of the ring, then insert the hook back into the knot/loop. You are now ready to crochet around the ring.

Christmas crochet cat bed shaped like a reindeer with antlers, ears, red nose, and a cat inside.

Reindeer cat pod crochet pattern instructions

When counting your rounds, keep in mind that round 1 is on the ring.

Use tan yarn.

Rnd 1: Make 80 sc around the 8-inch ring and join (80 stitches)
Rnd 2: Ch 1, *2 sc in next st, sc in next 9 sts; repeat from * around. Join. (88 stitches)
Rnd 3: Ch 1, *2 sc in next st, sc in next 10 sts; repeat from * around. Join. (96 stitches)
Rnd 4: Ch 1, *2 sc in next st, sc in next 11 sts; repeat from * around. Join. (104 stitches)
Rnd 5: Ch 1, *2 sc in next st, sc in next 12 sts; repeat from * around. Join. (112 stitches)

Rnd 6: Ch 1, *2 sc in next st, sc in next 13 sts; repeat from * around. Join. (120 stitches)
Rnd 7: Ch 1, *2 sc in next st, sc in next 14 sts; repeat from * around. Join. (128 stitches)
Rnds 8–25: Ch 1, sc in each st, join (128 stitches)
Rnd 26: Ch 1, *sc2tog, sc in next 14 sts*, join (120 stitches)
Rnd 27: Ch 1, *sc2tog, sc in next 13 sts*, join (112 stitches)

Rnd 28: Ch 1, *sc2tog, sc in next 12 sts*, join (104 stitches)
Rnd 29: Ch 1, *sc2tog, sc in next 11 sts*, join (96 stitches)
Rnd 30: Ch 1, *sc2tog, sc in next 10 sts*, join (88 stitches)
Rnd 31: Ch 1, *sc2tog, sc in next 9 sts*, join (80 stitches)
Rnd 32: Ch 1, *sc2tog, sc in next 8 sts*, join (72 stitches)

Rnd 33: Ch 1, *sc2tog, sc in next 7 sts*, join (64 stitches)
Rnd 34: Ch 1, *sc2tog, sc in next 6 sts*, join (56 stitches)
Rnd 35: Ch 1, *sc2tog, sc in next 5 sts*, join (48 stitches)
Rnd 36: Ch 1, *sc2tog, sc in next 4 sts*, join (40 stitches)
Rnd 37: Ch 1, *sc2tog, sc in next 3 sts*, join (32 stitches)

Rnd 38: Ch 1, *sc2tog, sc in next 2 sts*, join (24 stitches)
Rnd 39: Ch 1, *sc2tog, sc in next st*, join (16 stitches)
Rnd 40: Ch 1, *sc2tog*, join (8 stitches)

Sew the last 8 stitches closed with a tapestry needle.

Antlers pattern for the Christmas reindeer cat pod

Free Christmas Cat Pod Crochet Pattern for a cozy reindeer-themed pet bed. Easy and beginner-friendly DIY with super bulky yarn.

Make 4 antler pieces using brown yarn. You will sew them together in pairs to make 2 finished antlers.

Row 1: Ch 5, hdc in 3rd ch from hook and in each remaining ch, turn (3 stitches)
Row 2: Ch 2, hdc in each of the 3 sts, now you will make the 1st antler spike: ch 5, hdc in 3rd ch from hook and in each remaining ch (3 stitches + spike w/3 stitches)

Row 3: (no ch) hdc in each of the 3 sts on the main antler, 2nd antler spike: ch 5, hdc in 3rd ch from hook and in each remaining ch (3 stitches + spike w/3 stitches)
Row 4: (no ch) hdc in each of the 3 sts on the main antler, 3rd antler spike: ch 5, hdc in 3rd ch from hook and in each remaining ch (3 stitches + spike w/3 stitches)

Row 5: (no ch) hdc in each of the 3 sts on the main antler, 4th antler spike: ch 5, hdc in 3rd ch from hook and in each remaining ch (3 stitches + spike w/3 stitches)
Row 6: (no ch) hdc in each of the 3 sts on the main antler (3 stitches)

Row 7: Ch 2, hdc in each of the 3 sts, turn (3 stitches)
Row 8: Ch 1, sc3tog, fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing (1 stitch)

Place 2 antler pieces together and sew around the edges. Repeat with the remaining 2 pieces. Doubling the pieces makes the antlers sturdier so they stand upright. Sew the 2 finished antlers to the top of the cat pod.

Ears pattern for the Christmas reindeer cat pod

Make 2 using tan yarn.

Row 1: Ch 3, 2 sc in 2nd ch from hook, 2 sc in next ch, turn. (4 stitches)
Row 2: Ch 1, sc in each st, turn (4 stitches)
Row 3: Ch 1, 2 sc in first st, sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in last st, turn. (6 stitches)
Row 4: Ch 1, sc in each st, turn (6 stitches)

Row 5: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in next 2 sts, sc2tog, turn (4 stitches)
Row 6: Ch 1, sc in each st, turn (4 stitches)
Row 7: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc2tog, turn (2 stitches)
Row 8: Ch 1, sc2tog, fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing (1 stitch)

Sew the ears to the cat pod.

Eyes for the Christmas reindeer cat pod

Use black yarn and a tapestry needle to stitch the reindeer eyes.

Nose for the Christmas reindeer cat pod

Use red worsted weight yarn and a 1.5-inch pom-pom maker.

Wind the yarn around both arches.
Cut the yarn along the middle gap.
Tie with a piece of scrap yarn.
Open the arches and remove the pom-pom.
Trim any loose ends.

Sew the pom-pom nose to the reindeer bed.

Finishing your reindeer cat pod

Weave in those loose ends, then let your furry friend snuggle up and enjoy their cozy new bed!

Frequently asked questions

Is this reindeer cat pod crochet pattern beginner-friendly?
This pattern is best for an advanced beginner. It uses basic crochet stitches along with increases, decreases, shaping, and crocheting around a craft ring.

What yarn do I need for the reindeer cat pod?
The cat pod and antlers use super bulky weight (#6) yarn. The nose uses worsted weight (#4) red yarn, and you’ll need a small amount of black yarn for the eyes.

How big is the finished Christmas cat bed?
The finished reindeer cat pod measures approximately 13 inches wide × 13 inches tall × 12 inches deep. The entrance opening measures 8 inches.

What is the ring used for?
An 8-inch macramé ring or craft hoop forms and supports the entrance opening of the cat pod.

Can I use this cat bed after Christmas?
Yes. Although the reindeer details make it especially fun for Christmas, the enclosed pod is a cozy cat bed that can be used throughout winter.

PDF version

View a printable PDF file version of this pattern in my Etsy shop: reindeer cat pod crochet pattern

Why cats love cozy hideaway beds

Cats naturally seek small, enclosed spaces where they can rest, feel secure, and watch what is happening around them. This crochet cat pod creates a soft, snug hideaway that is perfect for naps and quiet time.

Perfect for Christmas and the holidays

The reindeer details turn this cozy cat bed into a fun holiday project. It makes festive pet décor, a thoughtful handmade gift, and a cute place for your cat to curl up during the winter season. Browse more Christmas crochet décor patterns for additional seasonal projects.